Another wildfire broke out Monday afternoon Southeast of Sparks on the north side of the Niobrara Scenic River. The Valentine Fire department was called out about 2:30 Central Time and soon had the assistance of several other departments and several ranch rigs with sprayers. The fire started in the canyons west of the recent Fairfield Creek Fire in Cherry County. The cause is not known at this time but it may have been lightning from an earlier storm.

The fire department is requesting additional spray rigs from area ranches if they can help with the fire and have been talking to emergency management officials about getting help from National Guard helicopters again. Spray rigs should report to the fire hall to get directions and information about where they are needed. Private water tanker trucks were also being dispatched to the scene. Another wildfire broke out this afternoon Southeast of Sparks on the north side of the Niobrara Scenic River.